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French neighbour requests: practise a yes, a limit and a no

Edited by Chris Lee · Updated · About the library

Borrow a tape measure, collect a parcel and ask for quieter music in French. Rehearse three neighbour exchanges with replies that change your next line.

In short

Ask for one thing and give the time you need it. Then fit your next line to the neighbour’s answer: confirm a return time, accept another slot or thank them and find another solution.

Yellow the idea to rememberBlue French to learn

Things you may need to name

These neighbours already use tu. Keep te, ton and ça te va ? with that choice. Read each scene as a separate situation. Use the phrase filter to hide your side, then answer before revealing the model.

1

Borrowing: yes, with a return time

You would like the tape measure until tomorrow evening. Your neighbour needs it at 6 pm tomorrow.

YouSalut ! Est-ce que je peux t’emprunter ton mètre ruban jusqu’à demain soir ?Hi! Can I borrow your tape measure until tomorrow evening?
NeighbourOui, mais j’en ai besoin demain à 18 h.Yes, but I need it tomorrow at 6 pm.
YouJe peux te le rapporter à 17 h 30. Ça te va ?I can bring it back at 5.30 pm. Does that suit you?
NeighbourOui, très bien.Yes, that’s fine.
YouMerci, je te le rapporte demain à 17 h 30.Thanks, I’ll bring it back tomorrow at 5.30 pm.
2

Collecting a parcel: a different slot

Your neighbour has your parcel. You propose 6 pm; they offer 7 pm.

YouMerci d’avoir pris mon colis. Je peux passer vers 18 h ?Thanks for taking in my parcel. Can I come round at about 6 pm?
NeighbourÀ 18 h, je serai encore au travail. Tu peux venir à partir de 19 h.At 6 pm I’ll still be at work. You can come from 7 pm.
YouD’accord, je passerai à 19 h 15.All right, I’ll come round at 7.15 pm.
NeighbourParfait, à tout à l’heure !Perfect, see you later!
3

Borrowing: the item is unavailable

This time your neighbour needs the stepladder all weekend.

YouEst-ce que je pourrais t’emprunter ton escabeau samedi ?Could I borrow your stepladder on Saturday?
NeighbourDésolé, j’en ai besoin tout le week-end.Sorry, I need it all weekend.
YouD’accord, pas de souci. Je vais demander à quelqu’un d’autre. Merci quand même !All right, no problem. I’ll ask someone else. Thanks anyway!

How do you say yes, no or not yet to a neighbour in French?

Three new replies to try with a partner
The neighbour saysYour next move
Je peux te le prêter seulement jusqu’à midi.Offer a return before midday, or explain that the timing will not work.
Ton colis est chez moi, mais je rentre à 20 h.Choose a collection time after 8 pm.
Je n’ai pas d’escabeau.Acknowledge the answer and ask someone else.

Excuse-moi, la musique est un peu forte. Tu peux baisser le son, s’il te plaît ?

Excuse me, the music is a little loud. Can you turn it down, please?

Question 1No account needed
The tape measure is needed tomorrow at 6 pm. Which plan fits?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

Je te le rapporte demain à 17 h 30.. Returning it at 5.30 pm fits the neighbour’s 6 pm limit.

Question 2No account needed
Your neighbour has no stepladder. Which reply fits?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

D’accord, je vais demander à quelqu’un d’autre.. The item is unavailable, so asking someone else responds to that answer.

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